UCFRC at ILAS hosts it's 8th Biennial International Conference

Across the globe, the perceived decline in empathy, care and social solidarity is a cause for concern.  Empathy is the ability and/or inclination to understand and experience another’s state or condition and, where appropriate, to respond through supportive actions.  Research has shown that empathy in individuals is essential to healthy social and emotional functioning and contributes to the enrichment of civic society. Conversely, where levels of empathy are compromised, studies have found an increased propensity to engage in anti-social behavior, such as bullying, aggression and offending behaviour. This biennial UCFRC conference drew on national and international expertise to explore the concepts of empathy and relationship based working as they relate to policy and practice with children, youth and families.

Catch up on key note presentations and conference highlights videos below:

Video: Watch the highlights from the conference here!

Keynote Presentations: 

Professor David Howe: Empathy, Emotional Intelligence and Relationship-based Practice
‌Watch the full presentation here 

Professor Kathleen Lynch: Why Love,Care and Solidarity are Political Matters: Equality and Social Justice
Watch the full presentation here 

Professor Pat Dolan and Youth Researchers Ms Ashling Dunphy & Ms Ciara Beth Ní Ghríofa: Activating Social Empathy: Learning with and from Youth Researchers
Watch the full presentation here

Ms. Mary Gordon: Roots of Empathy, Changing the World Child by Child
Watch the full presentation here 

Professor Anantha Kumar Duraiappah: Firing Gandhi Neurons
Watch the full presentation here 

Dr Jean Clinton: The Teenage Brain Under Construction
Watch the full presentation here 

Fr. Peter McVerry SJ: Special Guest Speaker
Watch the full presentation here